About “WILLOWY CHRONICLES”

Hey guys,

Here is a little something something from my next book!

If you have been following my blog and reading it, you will notice that I have posted a chapter of the book. That is how special y'all are to me.

Watch out for this amazing and thrilling story.

Below is just a summary of the book.

Susan is a young sophisticated yet simple business tycoon who didn’t have life easy. She discovered she had to fight for everything in life because life enjoys playing expensive jokes on her. 

And fighting for everything she did…her life, career and above all “Love”.

And that is the case, when she found herself in a whirlwind love triangle…

In love with two men, both disappeared one after the other but reappearing after many years to reclaim their love. 

But the truth is that just like the willow tree; beaten, bent and broken by the raging storm of life, she survived and was stronger because undeniably what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.

So who will be the man to win her heart…….is it RONALD or is it TONY!!!

Trust me on this one..you won't be disappointed!

I promise you a lot of emotions.

So watch out...coming soon!

Your gal, 

Real Gentlehawk.

Peace

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Okay guys, 

How are we all doing? Lots of things going on right now. The good, the bad and the ugly.

I had better point out the obvious just in case you fail to see or just not into it.

I'm sure a lot of you know what's up around the world...these famous terrorist attacks, killings every where, war, famine and all. Be it in Africa, Europe, America, Middle East, well...Now Asia has joined the endless list...which by the way is sicken.

And there is also the senseless killings of black people, senseless and baseless wars, Kidnapping, Child prostitution and pornography and all the other madness.

The terror and craziness these extremists on leach on the world, is freaky scary and worrisome, which makes you imagine what must have happened during world war 1 & 2 (I'm so sure whatever is depict is nothing compared to what really happened).

Have you noticed that even the so called 'head of nations' don't have any real answers to these terrors raging everywhere. Everyone seem to be confused and powerless. The more we speak of peace, the more the war rages. The more we speak of love, the more we see hate related crimes.

So this got me thinking, that if indeed the stories told about rapture is indeed true, then my friends, I believe it is high time we need to re-evaluate a lot of stuff. 

I'm sure for some of you, you don't know what the heck I'm talking about.

So for those of you who are clueless about what I'm talking about! Let me give you a quick run down. And please don't row those eyes at me, just open your mind. You need to just hear me out, I mean Seriously! Now we are talking theoretically here. "If" is the key word now, okay?

So, according to bible scholars, after rapture happens, a lot of things will kinda look the same but really it isn't. But prior to that event, people will become meaner, more selfish, harsher and lot of other crazy stuff (Which I believe is what we are now experiencing). 

Now after the so called Rapture, people will become worst. Why? According to bible scholars, this due to certain things that will also be raptured. If you really what to know, do your research. Anyways, it's known as "Grace". Seriously, you really need to research this stuff.

Okay guys, I have possibly lost a lot of you. I'm really trying hard not to use all theological jargons. 

Anyways, what got me worried is, if grace is still very much available now and people are inflicting this so much unfathomable pain and horror on each other, I refuse to think of what will happen after rapture? 

I don't want to think of the fact that every Hitler will have the power to unleash the dragon in them. Because evil is now the new normal. Wow, if this doesn't scares you, then nothing will.

The thing is, I love to read all kind of books and I enjoy watching movies...a lot. They take me to places , meet people/characters may never have the chance or means of meeting. They expose me to things that only my dream can and I love it. They also teach me lessons no one has the time to teach me. In view of this, I am going to use movies as illustration to buttress my points.

Movies like "Divergent" or "The Giver", shows how man always want to dominate through lies, half truth and constrains. Now imagine a world like those where we are cajoled into believing that evil is good and necessary, as long as it is for the good of the community. Individuality is not allowed, it is a group thing and anyone who questions authority is the enemy and most be esponged. 

Every nation is saying that ISIL and ISIS is bad and dehumanizing. That's because a few believe in that sick ideology. Now imagine, when majority believe in that kind of ideology as being right? And only a few refuse to be part of the sickness? 

Honestly I really don't want to think about it because it scares me from hell to heaven. 

Just a thought! 

Love and Peace 

Real Gentlehawk!

CELEBRITY GUEST - LUCKY CHILD, NIGERIAN COMEDIAN

Hey guys,

Today, I have decided to tune it up a little. You know, spice it up with a little comedy. So, today we get to meet one of Nigeria’s finest Comedian. 

He is so talented that every word that he speaks just gets you cracked up. He is genuinely funny and natural, very true and real. Today, I introduce to you, "LuckyChild".

Real Gentlehawk: Can you do us the honors of introducing yourself and what you do?

Lucky Child: My name is Lucky Iviahwo aka Luckychild. I am a graduate in computer science, a stand-up comedian,actor and a TV anchor.

Real Gentlehawk: What kind of kid were you?

Lucky Child: Growing up as a kid I was funny, playful, clever, brilliant and spoilt by my late loving Mum. She lavished money on me so much that I used to wash my hands with coca cola or any soft drink after meal.

Real Gentlehawk: Whoa! You are joking right? And I'm sorry about your mum, may her soul rest in peace.

Lucky child : Thank you. I'm proud of her.

Real Gentlehawk: How did you get discovered as a comedian? How and when did it all start?

Lucky Child: I got discovered as a comedian when I was in the University (O.O.U). I use to give funny remarks in class, church, hostel and anywhere I find myself. It happens unplanned, the words will just drop and everyone will go laughing. A roommate of mine then informed me of an audition taking place in Lagos to immortalize Fela. They called the event "FELABORATION" in 2006. So I decided to try for the audition from school. There was a huge crowd of talents for the audition. The audition was for both comedians and musicians. About a thousand plus people, so as a result, the audition ran for two days. 6 comedians and 13 musicians were selected and I was lucky to be one. That was my first big stage. 

At the main event, I had the honour to share the same stage with the late Lucky Dube during his performance. 

Then in 2008, a friend of mine while still in the university, told me of another comedy competition on-going in Lagos. He said he was confidence that if I attended, I would win. That event was "AY OPEN MIC". I left school to Lagos, bought the form, attended the audition which was conducted by Bunmi Davies and Jedi. There was about 26 comedians that came for the audition and they needed only 10 comedians for the competition. Luckily, I was picked yet again.

The day of the competition, I had an examination to write in school, but I left school to Lagos for the competition. It was really a coaster ride competition where the audience are the judges. They decides who stays or leaves the stage. Again, I was the last man standing. I beat other nine to it and became the winner of AY OPEN MIC COMEDY CHALLENGE in 2008. This gave me the opportunity to perform in AY LIVE.

Real Gentlehawk: Wow, it must have not been easy.

Lucky Child: It wasn't easy,but I thank God for the experience. It was tougher when it got to just three comedians remaining on stage. We cracked and cracked to a point the audience don't know who to screen out. But one more round saw other two comedian knocked out. I give God all the glory.

Real Gentlehawk: So what sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful comedian?

Lucky Child: The sacrifices I have made that have brought me thus far, are risking exam period for comedy competition, waking up in the middle of the night to create jokes that sprung up in my sleep, staying awake all night without food during an audition, the list goes on and on.

Real Gentlehawk: Can you talk about some of the challenges in Industry, you have or still facing?

Lucky Child: Yes oooo. There are bad belles in the industry ooooo. I have been sidelined in a lot of opportunities because I chose to do gospel and clean jokes. In the industry they have their gang, but God pass them!

Real Gentlehawk: How do you generate new ideas for your acts?

Lucky Child: I generate new ideas for my act by thinking and listening to the word of God. When a pastor is preaching I get inspiration very fast. I also get new ideas from current happenings in my environment and beyond.

Real Gentlehawk: What are you presently working on?

Lucky Child: Presently, I'm working on the season 2 of "THE REVELATION". It's an event for people who love clean jokes. It's a blend of comedy, music, inspirational talk and scripture combat. And I have other events still in the pipeline (but I no go talk am now, make dem no go burst the pipeline...heheehheee).

Real Gentlehawk: LOL. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful comedian?

Lucky Child: The top three skills to be a successful comedian are ability to be creative, audience interaction skill, build a stage persona (originality).

Real Gentlehawk: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Lucky Child: My greatest inspiration is God. But for the comedians in Nigeria, the guy wey dey ginger my swagger, wey dey totori my shingbaka,  na  comedian – I go die. He is the man.

Real Gentlehawk: What book has inspired you the most?  What is your favorite book?

Lucky Child: The Holy Bible and Think Big by Ben Carson.

Real Gentlehawk: If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?

Lucky Child: It will be King Solomon because I will like to know how he managed his wisdom with 1000 women.

Real Gentlehawk: What motivates you?

Lucky Child: Everything motivates me. Right now you're motivating me.

Real Gentlehawk: OMG! Wow, I'm honored! So tell us what are your hobbies? 

Lucky Child: I am a hubby I think the question should be what are your wifees? lol. Well, my hobbies are reading, thinking, browsing, watching TV and loving my family.

Real Gentlehawk: 😄😄😄....What makes you happy?

Lucky Child: My son and my wife. Anytime I look at them there's this happiness that is innate.

Real Gentlehawk: Any last words to all your fans out there? 

Lucky Child: Yes oooooo. To my fans I love you. I promise to do what God has sent me to do at all times which is making you laugh for your well-being.

Real Gentlehawk: Thank you for chatting with me. You were quite entertaining! Hope to do this with you again. 

Lucky Child: Thank you! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!

So guys, I hope you enjoyed him as much as I enjoyed doing the interview for you. 

You can also read all our interviews through our Facebook platform: www.facebook.com/RealGentlehawk or via Twitter: @gentlehawk or via Blog: http://gentlehawk-real4u.blogspot.com.

So I leave with this wisdom words from Aristotle: 

Until next time, it's your Gal!

Real Gentlehawk 

Peace out!

 

CELEBRITY GUEST – OLAKUNLE OLADEHIN, BHEERHUGZ BRAND (MEDICAL DOCTOR CUM ENTREPRENEUR)

Hey guys, 

They say doctors are one of the busiest people on earth. Always on the move, never found lacking. If they aren't attending to patients or attending seminars, they are researching the next big thing. They are mostly satisfied with what they know how to do best, BEING A DOCTOR.

Well, not this Doc., young, intelligent, resilient and hardworking...and he is Nigerian.

So freaking excited! 

The first time I met him I was so intrigued that I started marketing for him without even knowing it.

He is someone I admire (believe me which is rare) and respect( which even more rare, don't blame me, take a good look around). Anyway, I am sure you guys can't wait too. So I will stop my chitchat and have you read his interview. 

Oh, his is name is Dr. Olakunle Oladehin, the brain behind the BHEERHUGZ BRAND!

If you didn't know, now you know…you can thank me later.

Real Gentlehawk: Can we meet you and what do you do?

Olakunle: I am Dr Olakunle Oladehin. I am a physician, a researcher, a family oriented man and lastly a young Nigerian entrepreneur. I live and schooled in Lagos, Nigeria, I have been in Lagos all my life. Everyone has a story, so do I. It was never easy.

Real Gentlehawk: What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business? 

Olakunle: Being the restless person that I am, I had to channel my spare time into something I had passion for. Something I was confident that passion will see me through no matter how hard things got. Change is a constant requirement in everything we do. You see, we cease to exist once we cease to change. My key driver for change has been "continuous improvement".

 

Real Gentlehawk: How did the idea for your business come about?

Olakunle: My passion for hospitality started while in medical school. As director of socials, I had the opportunity to play around with several ideas just as any teenager would. I fantasized about being an actor, owning a restaurant and still practicing my medical profession at the same time.

 

Real Gentlehawk: How do you build a successful customer base?

Olakunle: From the very onset, it was clear that having a successful restaurant would require that first timers coming back. It was also important that we understand and track our customers. So even when we do not see them, we still want to engage with them. Hence, we took full advantage of technology.

We created our loyalty Card platform (Hugz Fun Rewardz) which has really grown over the last 4 years and also improved in terms of user interface. Card holders get a lot of benefits and rewards, and more importantly, we also get to engage them even when they haven't visited in a while.

On the flip side, we also believe in giving back to the society. Supporting noble causes that elevate mankind. We recently gave out 100s of insecticide treated nets in our support to End Malaria scourge as well as support voluntary organizations as part of our corporate social responsibilities. 

 

Real Gentlehawk: Can you please describe your typical day?

Olakunle: I sleep mandatorily for 6 hours everyday. I dislike to talk on phone. Love to be the on social media and most importantly spend time with my family - which is the highlight.

 

Real Gentlehawk: What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

Olakunle: My greatest fear is failure. I however understand that failure sometimes is part of the game. Take calculated risk and leave the rest to God.

 

Real Gentlehawk: How do you define success?

Olakunle: Empowering people and creating more entrepreneurs.

 

Real Gentlehawk: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Olakunle: My father, Samuel Olafemiwa Oladehin. A seasoned accountant who taught me 30 years ago that no matter what profession i did in life, i must know and embrace the principles of accounting. Being a man of God, He also taught me to have the fear God and always do good. His legacy lives on as he passed away in 2007.

 

Real Gentlehawk: I am sorry, may his soul rest in peace.

Olakunle: Thanks, I wish he was still around to see what he started.

Real Gentlehawk: What book has inspired you the most? (OR What is your favorite book?)

Olakunle: I am not one to pick up books.......though, I am writing my own book. Hope you will read it. LOL

 

Real Gentlehawk: Why not, if you send me a copy. So what have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?

Olakunle: I failed in almost everything at some point in life. I failed pathology in medical school, I have failed in relationships, in other business endeavors. Like I said earlier my greatest fear still is failure...... then again, failure is part of the journey. My  biggest lesson from failure is timing. Many factors contribute to failure, however, Timing is the biggest of all. 

 

Real Gentlehawk: What advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?

Olakunle: No idea is stupid. You are better with something you have passion for. All you need is timing or let's say Perfect timing, if you understand what I'm trying to say...... Hit the rod when it is hot!!

Real Gentlehawk: Thank you so much for the interview.

Olakunle: It was a pleasure!

So you hear it from the horse’s mouth, keeping it true and real, will the the long run get you to that place. Keep pushing, loving and feeding your passion is all you need to be great. Giving up ain't an option! Try and try again. Failure is just a way of telling you, yep, I just learnt another way of not doing it that way.

Therefore, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes by Albert Einstein.

So peace out,

Your Gal,

Real Gentlehawk!

CELEBRITY GUEST - UFUOMA ( GOSPEL ARTIST)

Hey guys,

Welcome! Today I will be sharing with you my interview with another celeb. This time our celeb is one of Nigeria most talented Gospel Artist of our time.

Some of you may have heard of her or even had a chance to be ministered to by her. 

She is no one other than the Amazing Ufuoma.

Now, for those of you who haven't heard of the talented artist, don't worry we've got you covered.

So without further ado, here is the interview we had with Ufuoma. 

Real Gentlehawk: Please can you introduce yourself, especially to our readers  who doesn't really know you. Also can you tell us a bit about what growing up was like for you? 

Ufuoma: I was born in Lagos -  Nigeria but hail from Ughelli North in Delta state, south-south Nigeria. The fifth of twelve children. My growing up was pretty strict cos my dad was very strict. My father is late Pastor F.A. Onofeghara,  an Elder in RCCG and a Professor  at University of Port –harcourt, he thought us God’s word everyday and my mother is late Mrs B. D. Onofeghara who was a principal at UDSS University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I am currently studying  B.A. English in Open university Nigeria.

I am a Gospel artist and a song writer. My debut four track E.P“Your Love” was recorded and mixed in Nigeria in 2015. Its been described as a blessing, with the hit track “ Your love”, a soft rock tune,  is ministering to people around the world. My latest work which is a new single “Yeshua”, will hit the airwaves on the 16th of July 2016 and am super excited about this single.

Real Gentlehawk:  Can you tell us how you came about doing what you do? How long have you been doing this? 

Ufuoma: I started singing early in church choirs especially in primary and secondary school. I was also brought up to love music by my music loving parents. In fact my dad wrote lots of songs for a group he formed called “The Redeemed Family Voices” and most time, he took me along for programs to minister.

I was inspired early by Yolanda Adams, I would watch all of her performances and try to sing like her. 

But as time passed i began to yearn for more because  I felt there was more to music and wanted more. So when my relationship with the Holy Spirit became more intimate and I discovered and understood that music is a tool one can use to tell a story and from this story - a person’s spirit can be delivered, lifted and even healed. And that was how a ministry was born, I heard the word expressly from the Holy Spirit to go and use this gift to bless lives, change men and women, He said, go and testify in worship and the rest is history .

I'm called to worship, music that minister to God and bless His people. My aggressive  singing style has ushered many, - in concerts, crusades and churches-, into the presence of God.

Real Gentlehawk: Do you play any instrument? If no, if you had a choice to choose, which?

Ufuoma: I play the keyboard for myself when I want to write music. I also learning to play the guitar.

Real Gentlehawk:  Any favorite musician/artist? 

Ufuoma:  Oh yes! Though I love different genre of music and different artists, so there are a lot of artists I look up to. Artists such as Jill Scot, Sinach, Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Plumb, Adele, Bob Marley, Whitney Houston and Ella Fitzgerald. All these artists have helped me be a better artist. And oh, by the way, I'm a Jazz lover.

Real Gentlehawk: Any embarrassing moment in your career so far?

Ufuoma: Hahaha! Yes o, the embarrassing moment that I will always remember was when I was to take the lead of a song. Asu Ekiye, was the music director, by the way, I actually forced myself into the program. After all the rehearsals, on the day of the concert when I was given the mic and after playing the intro, my voice ceased, I just couldn't bring out any sound. When it finally came out, it cracked and sounded horrible. It was so embarrassing that I wish the floor could just open and swallow me. Horrible! *laughs*

Real Gentlehawk: What is a perfect day like for you?

Ufuoma: A perfect day for me is to wake up at home, to hubby and my beautiful children. Can't trade that.

Real Gentlehawk: How will your friends describe you.

Ufuoma: Well I don't have so many friends cos I'm so poor at staying in touch but I've repented (meaning I'm trying to change). They will say, I love to say my mind and I hate to be taken for granted. Top most they will say I hate pride and love humility...

Real Gentlehawk: Can you talk about people or books you have read that have inspired you to embark on your career path / profession?

Ufuoma: I would say two people, Spiritually - the Holy spirit changed my life, He is my best and closest friend and buddy. Musically - Yolanda Adams affected, I started expressing myself a lot better after watching her. My best book is the bible, yes it truly is. And also Joseph Prince and Joyce Meyers books, I love them. I love all their books I've read so far. They have helped my mind and taught me about grace and God’s love and how to follow God’s plan for my life.

Real Gentlehawk: So what advice will you give to your younger self?

Ufuoma: Pursue your dream early, stop procrastinating. Do it now, don't allow people define you. Follow what you are passionate about.

Real Gentlehawk:  Any last words/advice?

Ufuoma: My last word of advice is to check yourself, where do people appreciate you the most, think about it. When you get to know, stay there cos that's your strength. Develop it, study it, don't look down on it, stir it. Forget negative people, and always have people that believe in you, around you. Don't ever give up.

So there you have it, another wonderful Nigerian doing her thing, influencing and impacting lives by just being true and real! 

Yet another time when I get to hijack a celebrity for you guys, remain real and true to yourself.

Don't be a cheaper version of your original.

I will like to hear from you, so send me your comments, suggestions or even let me know which celeb you want interviewed and what questions you want asked. And we will move mountains to try to get them for you.

Peace out!

Real Gentlehawk 

    

BEAUTY - IDENTITY THEFT

In a restaurant, sitting by my self, mind my our damn business like a good lady I think I am, these two ladies walked in. All loud and all, acting like "Hey y'all, notice me pleaseeeeeeeee don't you think I'm pretty , well, on a Jesus Day I pretend that nothing is wrong and just give the sweetest smile. But this day wasn't a Jesus Day and my church mind wasn't functioning. 

I was about to shhh, those ladies to please be a little civilized or pretend to be at least but d'maitre beat me to it.

But really, I ask, what is beauty? 

The definition of beauty differ from person to person. Ain't people say, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder?

Looking at these two ladies, hmm well, they are not hurtful to the eye. But truth be told somewhere not to far, is yet another lady who will definitely beat these ladies hands down. 

So if you think you are a beauty, here is a wake up call for ya! There will be someone somewhere out there, that is more beautiful than you and to make it worse, will come with the total package...so how about that? In your face! 

That's why I don't understand or get it, why some people bully others because of the way they look, colour of their skin or even their belief. It simply shows how shallow the mind of man is. Just sad.

Really if only people understand that we are all ugly and beautiful at the same time, they would understand that the prettiest of us all, still has a prettier person to make us feel ugly.

For me, beauty is like a bowl of beautifully made salad, veg or fruits, it don't matter, without all the various forms the veg/fruits salad will be just another tomatoes or Apple.

You get the point?

Just the fact that one is different is beauty to me. 

So let me also illustrate it to your this way, there is this guy who thinks he is all that. Bought this amazing car, built this magnificent house, even married the hot 'chick'. Only that ten or even maybe twenty years down the line, the car, big house and even the girl, are irrelevant because someone else is in town with a much better car, much bigger house and hotter chick! Nothing lasts, NOTHING! Even those people who spend their money rebuilding themselves in the name of so call plastic surgery (the word is REBUILD - So apology to those who actually need it medically to FIX  one thing or the other).

The way we see ourselves will forever fade, there will always be someone or something out there, much better.

It's called evolving and recreating!

I really don't know if humans are meant to learn from the past, obviously I don't think so.

Stay true and real to yourself.

Don't be the cheap version of your original!

Peace

Real Gentlehawk 

PARENTING IN THIS CENTURY

Having kids is the most amazing experience for anyone who have them. Whether you are tight-ass person, a thug, straight or crooked, rich or poor, whoever you are, seeing your kid for the very first time, bring up some unexpected emotions in you, you never thought you had. Yep! A kid can do that to you. 

Now, don't think I don't know there are some off - people (here I put a question mark), who have traded their hearts for rocks - this very people never get any reaction from this experience - well, all I can say is, 'Y'all need Jesus!

So back to the real and true people...so kids can make a 300pound man behave silly or even force an irresponsible guy to grow up.  So you get the gist, right? 

Becoming a parent forces us to reevaluate our own relationship with our parents (the lucky ones who still have theirs around) and we then begin to see everything they did for us or to us through a parent's eye and not through a child's.

Here is the thing, being a parent is a privilege and even more being a parent in this technological century is a great blessing.

However having said that, parenting in century is the hardest and most challenging thing ever. Is it the drugs, cults, bullying, identity manipulation, sexuality and sexual orientation,social pressure, cultural diversity, looks, education etc, the list is unending and to top it up, the world is new a global village. So now you have more pressure and problems not only from your immediate society but the big world.

The days of 'It takes a village to train a child is fast becoming over'. Trust issues are becoming the norm.

Not to forget that kids these days are smarter and wiser...thanks to Google - the brain most parents don't have. How can I motivate my child to study hard in school just like my parents did, by telling me the oldest trick in the book. Remember when our parents use to say, 'I always took first position in school, never second'. But you can't use that, now that everyone's results are just a click away. Parents these days are so confused and delusional when it come to their kids. There's the question, "should I be a friend or a manager or a parent? 

Yet the greatest gift this century brings is technology has also made it easy...not easier, to bring up a child.

All it takes is modesty and balance. Giving a child a balanced life.

Parenting is sure becoming tougher as the years roll by, but the amazing thing is that once done rightly it is the most rewarding and beautiful thing ever.

So shout out to all the 21st century and beyond Parents, thank you for being so true and real. YOU ALL ROCK!